A number of Ireland internationals, including James McClean, Enda Stevens and Kevin Long, are among a group of footballers who have raised €25,000 to help League of Ireland players impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, former Ireland international Graham Barret, now a football agent who runs Integrity Sports, explained why his clients have donated to an emergency fund.
"Over the past few days, I have been in conversation with a number of my clients from Integrity Sports about how they and I would like to help people," Barrett said.
"The challenge for us was trying to identify where best to begin because right now, there are so many deserving cases and so many people in need.
"Together, we have decided what little help we can to an industry very close to our hearts, the health and welfare of the people within the League of Ireland. The league is where most of Integrity Sport's international clients like James McClean, Enda Stevens, Kevin Long, Gavin Bazunu etc began their careers and their opportunities were born here.
"Others like Jack Byrne and Graham Burke credit the League of Ireland clubs and the people they have dealt with in the league as the reason they have now also become senior internationals.
"As of today, we have raised €25,000. This money will be put towards an Emergency Fund to be used by Noel (Byrne - Shamrock Rovers official and chair of the National League Executive Committee) and the NLEC in conjunction with Stephen McGuinness and Ollie Cahill of the PFAI, to aid players who will undoubtedly need assistance in the coming weeks.
"We know that this money is not a solution in itself and we have made the gesture because we have all benefited from being involved with the League of Ireland and recognise that the league's survival is imperative to the continued progression of football within this country.
"Right now, it may feel as if the world is falling down and people are naturally very anxious but keeping each other safe and following the government guidelines to achieve this now is of paramount importance.
"This morning, I spoke to Noel and we know that a number of clubs are facing significant financial challenges and simply do not have the cash to continue to pay their players while the league remains suspended.
"I shared this information with Integrity's clients and, to a man, they were extremely anxious to be proactive and make some tangible contribution to help ease the difficulties most in the League of Ireland are now suffering. They have never ever forgotten where they have come in football and never will."
On Thursday, Sligo Rovers announced that it has temporarily laid off all staff and players due to uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 situation. First Division side Drogheda United announced earlier this week that it has suspended all payments to players and staff.
Picture credits: Sportsfile
